The National tribune., 1887-09-29

the Adlutant-Heneral was INSTRUCTED 10 give "A
bond for S2000. Both bonds have been duly
executed and are IN my possession.
INVESTMENT or SURPLUS FUNDS
The last National Encampment instructed
the Council of Administration TO invest $4,000
of the funds of the Order in bonds of the United
States. This has been complied with, as you
will see By the report of the Quartermaster- -Gen-
cral.
MEMORIAL DAY.
Memorial Day was more generally and appro-
priately observed this year than ever before.
Great multiJudes of patriotic citizens gathered,
under the auspices of our Order in the silent
cities OF the dead. and with bowed heads aud
loving hands strewed the graves of our depart
ed comrades with the sweet flowers OF Spring.
This day, sacred 10 the memory of the fallen
defenders Of the Republic, has became most
impressive aud instructive National holiday.
With each annual recurrence Of the appropn-
ate ceremonies of that solemn occasion the peo-
pie are touched with a deeper and more ear
nest patriotism.
GRANT COTTAGE.
i have received the following letter:
SARATOGA. n. y, July %, Iss5.
Gen. LUcIIs FAIRCHmD. commandments OF
the Grild Army Of the Republic.
DEAR SIR: As the General Government has
failed accept my oficT TO II. Ia pcrpetuy OF tie
cottage on Mt Mctiregor, in which the savior oi
our Nation. Gen. u. >. Grant spent his last days
and which remain precisely in the same condition
"a when he there yielded up his last breath, now
beg 10 offer Il 20 the survivors of those gallant, men
who saved the country founded by Washington
and his soldiers.
The conditions ] would suggest, are that the
cottage and it, surrounding grounds be held in
trust by the CommRnder-n Chief Of the Grand
Army ~ the Republic the President OF the Mount
McGrggor Railway Company, and one person TO
Doc nominated 10y myself or my SUCCESSORS.
With great respect, dear sir, J am. yours very
truly, Jos w. DRENEI.
This proposition is made in good faith with
the intent 10 honor the Union veterans by
placing partially in their charge that sacred
cottage. I recommend that il be referred 10
theinoonMng Commanaer-in-C Chief and Council
OF Administration, with authority TO accept the
same IL the details of trusteeship and manage
ment can be arranged 10 their entire satisiac-
tion.
GRANT MEMORIAL.
INSTRUCTED by the last National Encampment
n committee. consisting of one from each De-
pariment, was appointed by me 10 supervise
tho creation OC fund for the erection Of n
suitable memorial TO the memory of Gen. u. s.
Grant. Gomade Past C0mmander-n-C CHIEF
Burdett has, a. Chairman of the Executive
Committee OF Nine, given most efficient service
10 this landahle effort Collections have TO
some extent been made the details of which
viii appear Ia 'he report OF the Quartermastor-
General ] recommend that this committee be
continued. aud do not doubt that another years
fund for the purpose i'm view.
CHARLESTON.
In September last when the citizens OF
Charleston, :. C.. and vicinity were suffering
from the effects of a terrible earthquake. the
heart of the whole Nation was stirred with
sympathy and desire 10 do something for
their rehef Knowing how readily the Grand
Army Of thc Republic Joins in all good and
charitable undertakings, whether for the bene-
1itof tbeig own members or others aud know
ing TIE Order would be among the first 10 aid
the Clarlesronians, in company with Adj't-
Gen. Gray I went 10 the stricken city.
Becoming satisfied, by personal observation,
that The people there deserved and must have
help 60 repair their shattered dwellings,
called upon the comrades TO raise money for
this purpose and send it to the Mayor of that
city.
Ii was understood that there was no neces-
sity for great haste; because the immediate
wants Of the people for food and clothing had
beOn provided for.
The comrades responded from every quarter
with enthusiasm, aud collections were Deing
rapidly made; but when the work had only
fairly begun, the Mayor of Charleston wired
me thai 40 further aid would be required. Col
lcctions ceased at once.
Had Use needs of Charleston required IT,
am confident that at least SIO0 900 would have
been scut through this med um within another
month. II gave 1he old soldiers real pleasure
10 thus respond TO the cali OF their felow-citi-
zens and ther hearts went with their efforts
and their money
IL D. bui just to say that some of the distant
Posts received the call for aid simultaneously v
with the order 10 suspend operations, while
Others, thinking the funds would be required
later, were maturing plans TO do their part by
means ol Campfires aud other instrumental
ties which implied time TO make them effect
i've.
The gross sum. however which was contrib
uted and forwarded within "A few davs was
S1,O4l.5S, as reported TO National Headquar-
ters.
HISTORIAN.
IL the history Of our Order is ever written, II
should hc done at once
The duta for a correct record of the begin.
mng. progress and present work of the society
rs, % some extent, now available. ia a short
time it will be impossible 10 collect such mate
Tlal, fof most OF u must be gathered from those
now living who participated IN the events &
be recorded. DO not j entreat YOU allow the
inception. struggles and final triumph OF the
most wonderful voluntary association the world
has ever seen 10 be written by careless and ir.
responsible persons; but give the countenanco
OF yonr approval 10 some comrade who is fitted
by ciose familiarity with all it's affairs, aud by
intense love aud devotion 90 its lofty PURPOSES
and aims. and encourage his labors by the As.
sufance that his work is sanctioned bv the
supreme authority OF the GEand ARMY Of tho
Republic. j earnestly recommend that thi,
Lncampment select and designate as historian
some comrade who is known TO be competent
ano who is willing TO undertake the task o.
MuhhR complete history Of the Grand Arms
oithe Republic 10 the present time.
IN this connection j would especially sugges
that tlc General Government will include il
HAsse, next deccnnal census an enumeration o
the soldiers OF the late war of the rebellion viii,
may bc Living in 1880.
LOCATING NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
IN consequence of the practice of moyiu,
katiOnpl headquarters every year 10 the plac
wheH the C0mmander-in Chief resides. IL,
books records and property belonging 10 th
Order are in an unsatisfactory condition. apt
under such system must remain SO alwavs.
j thcrctore recommend, rs "A matter OF econ
Omy, that National HeadQuarters be located a
some central point for a term Of wears IT will
think, be- easy 30 overcome all objections I,
this plan by appointing an Assistant AdiutAnt
Genera VINO has experience 10 remain nj M,
tiOnal headquarters, who will do the wofl, AN,
receive the pay for il. while the Adiutan,s
General can be selected by the Commanders
in-Chief from the comrades most acceptable 4
then,
As'tle practice now is, il takes the newly
appointed Adjutant- General about the iirst baI
OF hs year 10 get his records Ia shape SO he ca
readily lay his hands on them aud when hl
oihoe D. fairly systemzed he must prepare /
move H. No other business OF like mngnitnd
ls 30 conducted. Facilities for easy cofnpun|
gnffou hW Gamma A Il an "a, - .....4.